Coleg y Cymoedd hosts first inter college competition

Three learners from the A Level Centre at Coleg y Cymoedd have received offers to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

The learners were congratulated by the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, on a visit to the college’s Nantgarw Campus.

Andrew Williams, (19) from Porth has received an offer to study physics at St Hilda’s College, Oxford University following A-levels in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. He has already achieved an A* grade in maths so is hoping for two A grades this summer to secure his place at the prestigious university.

Calum Haggett (18) from Tonyrefail is currently studying A-levels in maths, physics and Biology and has been offered a place to study biomedical science at St Anne’s College, Oxford University. Promising rugby star Calum has already appeared for Wales Under 18’s as well as the Cardiff Blues and Coleg y Cymoedd and requires an A* and two A grades in his final exams.

Jacob Lewis (22) from Cardiff is hoping to study Law at Hughes Hall, Cambridge following A-levels in law, history, sociology and the Welsh Baccalaureate. Jacob’s conditional offer is for four A* grades.

These latest university offers come hot on the heels of last year’s A-level learner Shannon Britton, from Ferndale, who earned the highest score in A-level law across England and Wales and is now studying English at Exeter College, Oxford.

During her visit to Coleg y Cymoedd ahead of Apprenticeship Week (9 – 13 March) the Deputy Minister also met some of the college’s engineering apprentices who are studying aeronautical, electrical and mechanical engineering apprenticeships in partnership with some of Wales’ top firms including GE Aviation and Axiom Manufacturing Services.

The Deputy Minister said:

“It was very enjoyable to meet such committed young people. I would like to congratulate all the apprentices and AS and A-Level students at the college and wish them every success as they progress onto further studies, university or enter the world of work.

“In Wales, we believe our young people hold the key to our future well-being and prosperity. Their academic achievement, intellect and energy will help Wales grow and become more competitive.

“Earlier this year the Welsh Government launched a new scheme offering some of Wales’ brightest sixth formers and college students access to specialised support to help them gain entry into the UK’s top universities.”

The Deputy Minister’s visit to Coleg y Cymoedd follows an announcement last month by the Welsh Government that it will now be supporting priority building projects for further education colleges in Wales as part of its 21st century Schools programme.

Ian Rees, Strategic Alliance Manager for the A-level Centre at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Three Oxbridge offers in one academic year is fantastic for Coleg y Cymoedd and is testament to the efforts these students have put into their studies over the last 18 months, and to the dedication and expertise of the staff who have supported their learning.

“Since we started our A-level programme when the Nantgarw Campus opened in 2012 we have worked hard to ensure all learners have every opportunity to succeed as well as benefitting from quality extra-curricular activities and pastoral support. I’d like to congratulate Andrew, Calum and Jacob personally on their university offers and I will be wishing them every success in their final exams this summer.”

While visiting Coleg y Cymoedd, the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology received a tour of the new £40million Nantgarw Campus, £34 million of which was funded by the Welsh Government, that houses the A-level centre as well as meeting foundation learning and engineering learners who benefit from the college’s strong links with local employers, providing essential training for some of the area’s most vulnerable learners.

Coleg y Cymoedd has recently secured Welsh Government support in principle to raise funding for the construction of a new £20 million campus in Aberdare town centre to replace its existing facility at Cwmdare Road.

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